Senegal’s parliament has approved a new whistleblower protection law, making the country the first French-speaking nation in sub-Saharan Africa to adopt such legislation.
The move fulfills a pledge made by the administration that took office in April 2024 to improve transparency and accountability.
The law shields individuals who report crimes, financial offences, or threats to public interest discovered in their professional work.
Reports may be submitted anonymously, either internally within government structures or externally to competent authorities.
Those who provide information leading to the recovery of stolen assets or illicit funds will be entitled to a financial reward of 10 percent of the recovered amount, or a sum determined by the authorities.
Civil society groups welcomed the step but noted the bill focuses mainly on corruption and economic crimes, while other issues such as environment, health, or human rights are not fully covered.
They also called for clearer safeguards against retaliation, stronger definitions, and financial support mechanisms for whistleblowers.
Alongside this law, Senegal’s National Assembly adopted three other measures to strengthen governance.
These include a law on access to information, the establishment of an anti-fraud and anti-corruption body, and an extension of asset declaration rules to judges and magistrates.
Observers believe Senegal’s move could encourage similar reforms in other African countries.